Mobile flue gas generator and method for testing a flue gas indicator

ABSTRACT

The aim of the invention is to improve a mobile flue gas generator and to simplify a method for testing a flue gas indicator. The invention is characterised in that a mobile flue gas generator for simulating a real flue gas is proposed, whereby the mobile flue gas generator comprises an electric heating device for generating the flue gas.

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile flue gas generator forsimulating a real flue gas and a method for testing a flue gasindicator, in which a flue gas generator that has been brought into thevicinity of the flue gas indicator generates a flue gas, using a testmedium, and the flue gas initiates testing of the flue gas indicator.

[0002] In order to test flue gas indicators with regard to their abilityto function, mobile flue gas generators are known, among other things.These flue gas generators are held against a flue gas indicator untilthe latter triggers an alarm as a result of the flue gas of the flue gasgenerator.

[0003] This involves devices that carry a test aerosol in a pressureflask. A disadvantage of these devices is that they are disadvantageousto handle, because of the pressure flask, among other things. Also,triggering of such a device is generally disadvantageous to perform, bymeans of a triggering mechanism that is generally complicated anddifficult to use.

[0004] Another type of testing devices is known from the companyHekatron GmbH. This testing device uses a fumigator rod that is insertedinto a housing of the device, in order to generate flue gas, whereby thehousing must be closed again with great care, since it must be assuredthat a gasket ring that seals a bottom and a top of the housing is notdamaged. During the actual testing of the flue gas indicator, the hosetop of the testing device is then held against the flue gas indicator,whereby the flue gas must be pressed out of the hose tip against theflue gas indicator, by means of compressing a rubber ball.

[0005] In addition to the complicated handling as described above, aventilation hole of the housing must be manually closed off with afinger during a pumping cycle, so that no flue gas can escape from thisventilation hole while the rubber ball is being compressed. In order tofill the compressed rubber ball with air again, the ventilation hole ofthe housing is now released, so that fresh air can flow back into therubber ball of the testing device, by way of this hole. Such a method isextremely complicated, particularly if the flue gas indicators to betested are suspended high up on a ceiling.

[0006] As described, known testing devices for flue gas indicators havea rather complicated method of operation. In addition, the testprocedure using the known testing devices quite often has to beperformed several times, due to frequent failed attempts. It is alsodisadvantageous, in this connection, that long waiting times result froman extended stay of the test aerosols or the smoke of the fumigator rodin or at the flue gas indicator, until the flue gas indicator is resetfrom the alarm state into the normal state.

[0007] The invention has the aim of developing flue gas generatorsfurther, and thereby simplifying testing of a flue gas indicator.

[0008] The task on which the invention is based is solved by a mobileflue gas generator for simulating a real flue gas, whereby the mobileflue gas generator has an electric heating device for generating theflue gas. Such an electric heating device can be present in manydifferent forms, particularly preferably, however, as a heat generatorthat has an electrically conductive wire. It is advantageous, in thecase of this heat generator, that heat can be generated without using anopen flame. In order to generate heat, a current is merely passedthrough the wire, so that the latter heats up. Thus, the electricheating device can be used as a heat generator, to particular advantage.

[0009] In the present case, the term “flue gas” is understood to meanany gaseous media that particularly contain solid particles. However,gases that explicitly do not contain any solid particles are alsocovered by the term “flue gas” in the sense of the invention.

[0010] Accordingly, the term “flue gas indicator” includes all technicaldevices that can detect a flue gas with solid particles as well as aflue gas without solid particles. It is understood that the generationof a flue gas with solid particles can also be replaced by thegeneration of a gas without solid particles. This is particularlyadvantageous if the function of a gas indicator that responds to thepresence of a gas is supposed to be tested.

[0011] Because of the characteristic that the electric heating devicecan be used as a heat generator, it is possible to use the flue gasgenerator according to the invention not only for testing a flue gasindicator or gas indicator. Instead, the flue gas generator according tothe invention can be used, over and above this, for testing a heatindicator. In particular, a heat generator is created in this way, whichhas a solid body that gives off heat radiation when activated. Forexample, this is an infrared lamp that gives off heat radiation andthereby activates a heat indicator.

[0012] A preferred embodiment variant provides that the heating deviceis an electric resistor. Preferably, this is a commercially availableohmic resistor, which can be inserted into an electrically conductivewire in simple manner. In particular, the ohmic resistor reinforces theheat generation, for one thing, and increases the surface that heats up,which is able to give off heat, for another thing.

[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the mobile flue gas generatorhas an electric blower. In this connection, the electric blower can be asmall fan, which draws in a volume of air from the surroundings, andthen passes it through the mobile flue gas generator, whereby the volumeof air guides the flue gas through at least one opening of the mobileflue gas generator, in the direction of a flue gas indicator. It ispossible to use any other device that is able to accelerate a volume ofair, instead of the fan. It is particularly advantageous if a volume ofair is accelerated in pulse-like manner using the blower. In this way,the flue gas can be brought to a flue gas indicator in pulse-like mannerand therefore in a high concentration.

[0014] Another embodiment variant provides that the mobile flue gasgenerator has an electric energy source. By means of this electricenergy source, a power supply to the heating device and the fan isguaranteed, for example. In this connection, a public power net or asolar power unit can serve as the electric energy source. Preferably,however, the electric energy source possesses a battery or arechargeable battery. By means of the battery or rechargeable battery,in particular, the mobile flue gas generator is configured as apower-independent component and is independent of a power test set.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if the mobile flue gas generatorcan be electrically triggered. In this connection, a flue gas isgenerated only if the heating device, i.e. the heat generator iselectrically triggered, whereby then a current of the electric energysource flows through the heating device, i.e. through the heatgenerator.

[0016] Furthermore, it is proposed that the mobile flue gas generatorhas a heat conduction body. For example, the heat conduction body isproduced from an electrically conductive sheet metal, so that theheatable surface increases due to the relatively large surface of thesheet metal as compared with the surface of the wire. It is particularlyadvantageous if the heat conducting body is implemented in the form ofan electric resistor. For example, this resistor is a commerciallyavailable resistor, so that in this way, a product of mass productioncan be used to increase the performance of the heating device.

[0017] It is advantageous if the heat conducting body has a porous body.The porosity of the body allows absorption of a substance according tothe nature of a sponge, so that the absorbed substance is in intimatecontact with the porous body, with the heat conducting body, preferablyin the region of the pores. If, in this connection, the heat conductingbody, i.e. the electric resistor is heated, the substance deposited onthe porous body or embedded in the porous body evaporates, therebygenerating the flue gas.

[0018] If the heat conducting body itself does not have a porous body,it is advantageous if a porous component is arranged on the heatconducting body. A substance can be embedded and, as necessary, made tosmoke, on this porous component, as well.

[0019] In order to achieved a flue gas generation at a targeted locationof the porous body or the porous component, for example, and/or in orderto prevent uncontrolled exit of the substance from the porous body orfrom the porous component, it is advantageous if the porous body or theporous component has a mantling that is preferably structured as aheat-resistant film. By means of the heat-resistant film, the substanceheated by the porous body or by the porous component is prevented fromevaporating at an undesirable location of the porous body or the porouscomponent.

[0020] Accordingly, it is advantageous if the mantling has at least oneopening through which the heated substance evaporates or smokes.

[0021] According to another embodiment, it can be provided that themobile flue gas generator has a heat chamber that is filled at least inpart with the test medium. It is advantageous if the flue gas isgenerated using the test medium.

[0022] Since it can be difficult, with regard to installation ormaintenance work, to transport cartridges that are under pressure, orfluid-filled containers, it is proposed that the test medium has a solidbody that evaporates or smokes when heated, at least in part. This solidbody can be a plastic element or a wax. The wax is preferably heated bymeans of a resistor element that heats up when current flows through it,so that in this way, at least a part of the wax or of the solid bodyevaporates or smokes because of the heating.

[0023] The test medium can be solid or liquid; it is particularlyadvantageous if the test medium comprises a gel-like material thatevaporates or smokes, at least in part, when heated. For example, theelectric heating device or the heat conducting body, particularly thecommercially available resistor, is located in the gel-like test medium,so that part of the test medium is heated to such a degree, due to theimmediate proximity of the heating device, that it evaporates or smokesinto a gaseous state, and that the mobile flue gas generator generates aflue gas in this connection.

[0024] The gel-like material can be a water-clear gel without an odor.Gels made from hydrocarbons in the sector of the white oils, which areproduced by adding a gel-forming agent, are well suitable. Such gelspreferably have a boiling point that lies above 250° C. In the presentcase, the melting point preferably lies at about 70° C. to 90° C. Thishas the result that in the case of such substances, practically noevaporation of ingredients takes place at room temperature. Thereforeany burden for the ambient air can be reliably precluded also for thestorage of the substances or from the supply contained in the testingdevice.

[0025] In practice, long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons are preferablyused. Particularly if an amount of about a milligram is evaporated pertest procedure, this evaporated amount is without any health relevance,since aliphatic long-chain hydrocarbons result in mechanical irritationof the upper respiratory tract only at high concentrations. Thesubstances described furthermore have the advantage that they settle inthe vicinity of substance release and that the released amounts do notresult in either corrosion or other negative influences on adjacentelectronic or mechanical components.

[0026] For this reason, such a substance can advantageously be used,particularly in all of the flue gas generators described in thisapplication.

[0027] It was found that it is advantageous if the test medium only hasa mass of less than 5 g, preferably less than 1 g. It is advantageousthat the mobile flue gas generator according to the invention onlyrequires approximately 0.001 g of the gel-like test medium, so that upto 600 tests are conducted with the mobile flue gas generator accordingto the invention, without having to refill the mobile flue gas generatorwith a test medium. This corresponds to a usage period of approximately40 years, with a monthly test cycle. Because of the small amount of testmedium, the weight of the mobile flue gas generator is significantlyreduced.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, it is providedthat the heating device is in active contact with the test medium. Inthis way, the structure of a mobile flue gas generator is very simplydesigned, whereby additional means for flue gas development aresuperfluous.

[0029] Preferably, the heating device is arranged in the heat chamber,so that it is advantageously in the immediate vicinity of the testmedium.

[0030] In order to transport the generated flue gas out of the heatchamber in particularly effective and dynamic manner, it is advantageousif a blower is arranged in the heat chamber. Preferably, the blower isarranged at an air inlet opening of the heat chamber or in the vicinityof an air inlet opening of the heat chamber, so that when the blower isactivated, a stream of air is generated that is passed through the heatchamber filled with flue gas. In this connection, the flue gas, togetherwith the air stream, gets out of the heat chamber into the immediatevicinity of the flue gas indicator, by means of an exit opening.

[0031] It is proposed that the heating device has a temperature of morethan 80° C., preferably a temperature of more than 110° C., when thetest medium is made into smoke.

[0032] Likewise, it is proposed that the heating device has atemperature of less than 200° C., preferably a temperature of less than160° C., when the test medium is made into smoke.

[0033] It is particularly advantageous if the test medium evaporates orsmokes at approximately 150° C.

[0034] It is advantageous if the mobile flue gas generator has acollection device in which a flue gas that has been generated isaccumulated, at least temporarily. In particular, the heat chamber ofthe mobile flue gas generator can represent such a collection device. Inthis way, the mobile flue gas generator has a particularly simplestructure. It is advantageous if the heat chamber is designed in such amanner that first a flue gas is generated in a closed or almost closedheat chamber, and only gets out of the heat chamber after a certainperiod of time of flue gas generation.

[0035] In order to guide a stream of air through the collection device,and thereby to entrain the flue gas that has been generated, it isadvantageous if the collection device has at least one inlet openingand/or at least one exit opening. Preferably, in this connection, theopenings are sized or structured in such a manner that a flue gas thathas been generated does not escape from the collection device or fromthe heat chamber, or escapes only in an amount that can be ignored,unless it is actively transported. The active transport can beimplemented by means of the air stream generated by the blower.

[0036] An embodiment variant provides that the collection device has atleast one means for closing it. This means for closing is, for example,a simple flap or a valve, or the like. Preferably, such a means isarranged in one opening or in all of the openings described above. Inthis connection, it is not absolutely necessary that the means forclosing seals off the collection device at 100%.

[0037] Instead, it is sufficient to close off the collection device insuch a manner that flue gas that has been generated cannot exit from it,or can exit only in a small amount, without an artificially generatedair stream or the like, for example.

[0038] It is advantageous if the means for closing has a wire having astructure that is temperature-dependent. By means of such a wire, it ispossible to activate a flap, for example, in such a manner that itcloses the collection device or, in contrast, at least partly opens it.In this connection, the wire preferably has such a structure that it isshortened or lengthened by an electrical current and the accompanyingtemperature increase.

[0039] It is particularly advantageous if the means for closing has anitinol wire. Nitinol wire contracts, for example, if a current of 3.5volts flows through it, as a result of the heating that occurs, and thenexpands again after cooling. In this connection, the contraction of thenitinol wire can be advantageously used to open the flap.

[0040] It is understood that as an alternative to this, any other actoror also a linear motor, for example, can be used for this purpose.

[0041] It is furthermore proposed that the collection device has a fluegas inflow opening. By means of this flue gas inflow opening, it ispossible that a flue gas that is not generated directly in thecollection device gets into the collection device by way of this fluegas inflow opening. For example, the flue gas is generated in the heatchamber of the mobile flue gas generator, and gets into the collectiondevice by way of the flue gas inflow opening.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous if the collection device has aflue gas sensor and/or a gas sensor. In order to test the flue gasgenerator with regard to the generation of flue gas, or in order todetermine whether a sufficient amount of flue gas was generated and ispresent in the collection device, it is advantageous if thecorresponding flue gas sensor is arranged directly in the collectiondevice of the flue gas generator. For example, by activating the fluegas sensor, a user of the flue gas generator is given an optical oracoustical message concerning the point in time at which sufficient fluegas for testing a flue gas indicator is available, so that the useractivates a trigger that opens the outlet of the collection device orthe heat chamber, after having brought the flue gas generator into thevicinity of a flue gas indicator.

[0043] It is particularly advantageous if the collection device has achangeable cross-section. By means of the changeable cross-section,different pressures and flows are brought about within the collectiondevice, and this has a positive effect on the spread of the flue gas.

[0044] A structurally simple variant provides that the collection devicehas a diffusor. By means of the diffusor, different flow velocities aswell as different pressures can be brought about in the collectiondevice.

[0045] A preferred embodiment provides that the collection device has aVenturi tube. By means of the Venturi tube, different pressures and flowvelocities can also be achieved and used in targeted manner.

[0046] A preferred embodiment provides that the mobile flue gasgenerator has a housing that is at least partly elastic. Particularly inthe region of the heat chamber or the collection device, it isadvantageous if the housing consists of a ductile material that caneasily be compressed by means of a pump movement, for example, andthereby reduces the volume of the heat chamber or of the collectiondevice. By means of such a volume reduction, a flue gas that has beengenerated is regularly expelled out of the heat chamber or out of thecollection device, so that as great and dense a flue gas volume aspossible gets to the flue gas indicator within the shortest possibleperiod of time.

[0047] An advantageous further development of the invention consists ofarranging a supply device and/or a metering device as well as a bloweron the elastic housing. Such devices are arranged on the housing by wayof a positive-lock connection or a friction-lock connection, forexample.

[0048] It is advantageous if these devices, in particular, are pluggedinto the housing of the mobile flue gas generator. For example, thehousing is designed in such a manner that the plugged-in devices areadditionally fixed in place on the housing by means of a rubber lip.This rubber lip surrounds the plugged-in device at least in part, sothat the device can be removed from the housing only if the rubber lipis “pressed sideways.”

[0049] Furthermore, the elastic housing also takes on a protectivefunction with regard to damage to the devices. For example, the devicesarranged in the elastic housing are very well protected against impactsbecause of this, since the elastic housing can absorb at least part ofthe impact energy.

[0050] It is understood that the devices mentioned above can be not onlyplugged in but also arranged on or in the housing by means of a threadedconnection.

[0051] The housing is preferably produced from a plastic or anelastomer, in this connection, so that it demonstrates only a relativelysoft resistance with regard to other objects. This also reduces the riskof damage to other objects.

[0052] A particularly preferred embodiment variant provides that themobile flue gas generator has at least one holding means for arrangingat least one component on the mobile flue gas generator. In this way,the devices described above can be arranged in or on the housing of themobile flue gas generator in particularly simple manner.

[0053] It is advantageous if a supply device that contains a supply of atest medium is arranged in a holding means. Using the holding means, thesupply device can be affixed on or in the mobile flue gas generator inparticularly simple manner. In this way, an exchange of supply deviceswith different test media, if necessary, is made very simple.

[0054] In order to guide a test medium that is present in the supplydevice into the vicinity of the heating device in simple manner, it isadvantageous if the holding means in which the supply device is arrangedcommunicates with an output device for issuing a test medium.

[0055] In this connection, the output device is preferably arranged inthe immediate vicinity of the heating device, so that the test mediumthat exits by way of the output device quickly enters into contact withthe heating device and evaporates or smokes when doing so. Furthermore,it is advantageous if the output device is arranged at such a distancefrom the heating device that the heating device does not damage theoutput device as the result of a disadvantageous temperature influence.

[0056] In order to structurally guarantee, in simple manner, that thetest medium gets from the supply device to the output device, it isadvantageous if the housing has at least one bore that is used as a testmedium feed, whereby the test medium feed connects a holding means ofthe supply device and an output device for a test medium with oneanother.

[0057] It is advantageous if the supply device is a disposablecomponent. In this way, simple handling with regard to a refillingprocess of the test medium is guaranteed, since an empty supply devicecan be replaced with another supply device. In addition to this simpleand preferred embodiment variant, it is also possible to refill thesupply device after the test medium has been used up.

[0058] A supply device is structured in simple manner if the supplydevice has a cylinder and a piston. In particular, a disposable supplydevice is produced in simple manner in this way, if the piston or thepiston rod is shorter than the actual cylinder. Therefore, the pistonrod, in particular, can no longer be moved out of the cylinder once thepiston has been completely pressed in, thereby making refilling of thecylinder almost impossible, or only possible at great effort. Thisparticularly prevents improper refilling of the supply device. Thisreduces the risk that a substance not intended for the mobile gasgenerator contaminates the heating device or that a flue gas that mightbe harmful to health is generated by the device.

[0059] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a metering device is arrangedin a holding means. By means of the metering device, it is possible toprecisely meter a test medium amount to be issued from the supplydevice. Therefore the consumption of the test medium can be preciselyadjusted.

[0060] The supply device can communicate with the metering device inparticularly simple manner if the metering device has a holding regionfor holding the supply device. In this connection, the supply device canbe attached to the holding region of the metering device either with anon-positive or a positive lock.

[0061] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the metering device has asetting means that preferably catches. Using the setting means of themetering device, it is possible to issue a predetermined amount of atest medium from the supply container, by means of the output device, tothe heating device, in particularly simple manner, so that as accurateas possible a predetermined amount of test medium is evaporated or madeinto smoke on the heating device.

[0062] In this connection, the metering device is preferably setmanually, so that the piston is moved in the cylinder by the path x, forexample. It is understood that in addition to manual activation of themetering device, electrical or electronic activation can also beprovided.

[0063] Furthermore, the mobile flue gas generator can have acoordination means that coordinates the activation of the blower and theactivation of the metering device. For example, the operation of the fanand of the metering device is electrically regulated or controlled.Preferably, the operating state of the heating device is also controlledusing the coordination means.

[0064] In this connection, it is possible to preheat the heating devicefirst, after a start procedure of the testing, and subsequently, afterabout two seconds, the fan of the blower starts to run and generates astream of air that transports the flue gas that has been generated outof the heat chamber.

[0065] In order to have enough test medium available at the heatingdevice, for example, it is advantageous if the metering deviceautomatically transports test medium from the supply device in thedirection of the heating device. This can be done in cycles, which aredependent on the output of the heating device, for example.

[0066] Furthermore, it is possible to operate the blower in pulsedmanner, so that intervals are produced in which the blower generates agreater stream of air or in which the ventilator generates acomparatively lesser stream of air.

[0067] Likewise, it is advantageous if the heating device is suppliedwith energy in pulsed manner. For example, the temperature of theheating device can be brought to an evaporation temperature tV=150° C.and held there, in this way. Otherwise there is the risk that overlygreat heating of the heating device can cause damage to the mobile fluegas generator.

[0068] In the sense of the invention, the term “pulsed” is understood tomean that making energy available for the devices in question is varied,preferably automatically.

[0069] Furthermore, it is proposed that the mobile flue gas generatorhas a capillary device. For example, one end of a capillary tube isarranged in a housing in which the test medium is located. The other endof the capillary tube, on the other hand, has a heating device or isdirectly and actively connected with the heating device. Part of thetest medium always moves through the capillary tube by means of adhesionforces, into the region of the heating device, which assures that thetest medium is made into smoke when it is activated.

[0070] Another embodiment variant provides that the flue gas generatorhas a fluid container and an ignition device. The fluid container canalso be configured as a pressurized container, so that it allows thefluid to be sprayed. The fluid, in interaction with the heating device,can generate a gas by means of evaporation or combustion of the fluid,whereby this gas then is ignited by an ignition device, so that a fluegas and/or heat is/are generated in this way.

[0071] Preferably, the heating device can be remote-controlled, so thatit is only turned on when needed. This is the case, for example, if themobile flue gas generator according to the invention is held in theimmediate vicinity of a flue gas indicator. Such a remote control can bestructured by means of a line or in wireless manner, and makes itpossible to trigger the mobile flue gas generator at any desired time.

[0072] In order to avoid overheating of the test medium, it isadvantageous if the mobile flue gas generator has a time clock. Thiscreates the possibility of limiting the heating period of the heatingdevice in terms of time, so that a switch must be activated, forexample, in order to activate the heating device again.

[0073] A particularly preferred embodiment variant provides that theflue gas generator has an interface to a network. For example, the fluegas generator is connected with the local network of a building, so thatthe flue gas generator can be controlled from a central device. In thisconnection, the interface can be structured to be wired or wireless. Itis also possible that the flue gas generator has a contact not only to alocal network, but rather also to a wide-area network. For example, aflue gas generator is connected with a central security service by meansof a wide-area network, and this service is not located directly in thebuilding of the flue gas indicator to be tested.

[0074] The aim of the invention is also accomplished by a method fortesting a flue gas indicator, in which a flue gas generator brought intothe immediate vicinity of the flue gas indicator generates a flue gas bymeans of a test medium, and the flue gas initiates testing of a flue gasindicator, whereby the test medium is made into smoke by an electricheating device.

[0075] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the flue gas is transported tothe flue gas indicator by means of an electric blower, in thisconnection.

[0076] It is advantageous in this method that according to theinvention, the flue gas is generated by an electric heating device, inwhich a test medium is made into smoke by the electric heating device.In this connection, it is particularly advantageous that only a verysmall amount of a test medium is used up for generating the flue gas.

[0077] It is also advantageous that the flue gas is blown directly intoor onto the flue gas indicator by means of an electric blower of themobile flue gas generator, so that targeted application of smoke to theflue gas indicator occurs, whereby the effectiveness of a flue gasindicator test is significantly increased by means of the targetedeffect of the method.

[0078] Once the test sequence of the flue gas indicator has beensuccessfully initiated, it is particularly advantageous if the flue gasindicator is ventilated immediately after smoke has been applied, sothat the test is terminated as quickly as possible. By means of thistargeted subsequent ventilation by means of the mobile flue gasgenerator, the risk of an undesirable deposit of flue gas particles inthe flue gas indicator, but also within the mobile flue gas generator,is reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the entire test procedure issignificantly accelerated by means of the active ventilation of the fluegas indicator, thereby making it possible to test more flue gasindicators per time unit, among other things.

[0080] A further embodiment provides that the flue gas that has beengenerated is collected before it gets out of the mobile flue gasgenerator. It is advantageous if first a certain volume of flue gas iscollected, which is sufficient to activate a flue gas indicator or a gasindicator. Another method variant provides that a changeable volumestream is generated to transport the flue gas.

[0081] It is advantageous if the rotor of the blower changes its speedof rotation for this purpose.

[0082] This can be implemented in particularly simple . manner,particularly if energy is made available to the blower discontinuouslyduring testing.

[0083] In order to set the heating device to a desired temperature andto keep it there, it is advantageous if energy is made available to theheating device discontinuously, particularly during testing.

[0084] In order to be able to evaporate or smoke a test medium inoptimal manner, it is advantageous if the heating device is preheatedbefore a test medium is passed to it.

[0085] Another method variant provides that the function of a heatindicator is tested by means of the heat generated by the heatingdevice. Preferably, this is carried out without generating any flue gas.In this connection, the mobile flue gas generator can also beadvantageously used for simulating heat, so that not only a flue gasindicator or a gas indicator, but furthermore also a heat indicator canbe tested with the flue gas generator according to the invention.Therefore almost all fire indicators can be tested by means of a singlemobile testing device, so that investment costs with regard to differenttesting devices can be saved in this way. It is particularlyadvantageous if the heat that is generated is blown towards a heatindicator by means of the activated blower, for support.

[0086] It is understood, in this connection, that the combination of theheat generator and the blower, particularly their common use for testinga heat generator, are essential to the invention even independent of theother characteristics of the invention.

[0087] It is advantageous if the mobile flue gas generator is activatedby means of a central monitoring facility, whereby the flue gas that wasgenerated is detected by a flue gas indicator, and the flue gasindicator is activated by this, whereby the flue gas indicator transmitsa data signal.

[0088] A monitoring facility is understood to mean a central facility,for example, in which the security-relevant functions of a building aremonitored.

[0089] A preferred method variant provides that the data signal istransmitted to a central monitoring facility and/or to an emergencyfacility. For example, the central monitoring facility is presentdirectly in a building, so that all of the steps necessary for testingcan be coordinated from there.

[0090] It is also advantageous if the data signal is additionally orexclusively transmitted to an emergency facility. An emergency facilityis, for example, a local fire department or another rescue service.

[0091] If the data signal is transmitted in parallel to the centralmonitoring facility and also to the emergency facility, it isadvantageous if information about an upcoming test is provided to themonitoring facility and/or the emergency facility before a test isconducted. For example, the information contains data concerning thedate and time of testing, as well as about the type of test and theduration of the test. Preferably, the emergency facility isautomatically informed by the central monitoring facility.

[0092] According to the invention, it is proposed that at least one dataline between the central monitoring facility and the emergency facilityand/or at least one data line between at least one gas indicator and theemergency facility is deactivated. In order not to put the emergencyfacility, for example the fire department, into emergency status bymistake, it is advantageous if the data line to this emergency facilityis deactivated, at least temporarily.

[0093] Finally, it is proposed that a test protocol is sent to themonitoring facility and/or the emergency facility. Once the test hasbeen concluded, it is advantageous if the emergency facility is informedabout the current status of the gas indicators of a building, forexample.

[0094] Other advantages, aims, and properties of the present inventionare described on the basis of an explanation of the attached drawings,in which a mobile flue gas generator is shown as an example.

[0095] The figures show:

[0096]FIG. 1 a heat chamber divided into two parts,

[0097]FIG. 2 a heat chamber in partial cross-section,

[0098]FIG. 3 a rechargeable battery power source, schematically,

[0099]FIG. 4 a resistor and a cuff having capillary surfaces,

[0100]FIG. 5 a schematic representation of a mobile flue gas generatoraccording to the invention,

[0101]FIG. 6 a mobile flue gas generator in interaction with a flue gasindicator,

[0102]FIG. 7 schematically, a lengthwise cross-section through a mobileflue gas generator,

[0103]FIG. 8 a perspective view of a housing of a mobile flue gasgenerator,

[0104]FIG. 9 schematically, a front view of an alternative housing ofanother mobile flue gas generator,

[0105]FIG. 10 schematically, a side view of the alternative housing ofFIG. 9,

[0106]FIG. 11 schematically, a rear view of the alternative housing ofFIGS. 9 and 10,

[0107]FIG. 12 schematically, a top view of the alternative housing ofFIGS. 9 to 11, and

[0108]FIG. 13 schematically, a perspective view of the alternativehousing of FIGS. 9 to 12.

[0109] The heat chamber 1 divided into two parts in FIG. 1 has a closingcover 2 and a base housing 3. The closing cover 2 has an opening 4 inits center, through which a flue gas 5 that has been generated rises.The closing cover 2 is screwed onto the base housing 3 by means of aplurality of screws 6 (numbered here only as an example).

[0110] The base housing has two bores 7 and 8 on one side, which holdplug-in contacts for an electrical connector (not shown here).

[0111]FIG. 2 shows the base housing 3 of the two-part heat chamber 1 ina broken view. A heating device 9 is arranged in the interior of thebase housing 3. The heating device 9 has a resistor 9A.

[0112]FIG. 3 fundamentally shows the simple structure of an electriccurrent circuit 10 of a mobile gas generator 29 according to theinvention. Here, a rechargeable battery 11, which is connected with aheat conducting body 13 (capacitor, ohmic resistor) by means of a wireconnection 12, serves as a power source.

[0113]FIG. 4 shows an ohmic resistor 14 as well as a capillary cuff 15,whereby the diameter of the resistor 14 corresponds to the diameter ofthe capillary cuff 15 in a region 16.

[0114] The capillary cuff 15 is arranged in a gel-like test medium (notshown here) with its lower region 17, whereby the gel-like test mediummoves in the direction of the arrow 20, between the two capillaryinterior surfaces 18 and 19, towards the resistor 14, in the interior ofthe capillary surfaces 18 and 19, by means of capillary forces.

[0115] In the representation according to FIG. 5, the arrangement of aflue gas indicator 21, a heat chamber 22, and a fan 23 is shown. A fluegas 25 gets into the environment through an opening 24 of the heatchamber 22. The fan 23 blows a stream of air 26 in the direction of thearrow 27. In this connection, the flue gas 25 is entrained andregistered by a detector 28 of the flue gas indicator 21, therebyinitiating an alarm signal. Once the test of the flue gas indicator 21has been completed, the development of the flue gas 25 in the heatchamber 22 is stopped, in that the electric heating device is shut off.The air stream 26 of the fan 23 blows the flue gas indicator 21,particularly the detector 28 of the flue gas indicator 21, clear ofremaining flue gas particles.

[0116] In FIG. 6, a mobile flue gas generator 29 is held in theimmediate vicinity of a flue gas indicator 30. In this connection, themobile flue gas generator 29 has a tube 31 in its front region and a fan32 in its back region. In the interior of the mobile flue gas generator29, there is a heat chamber 23, as described above, for generating fluegas. An air stream transported by the fan 32 blows flue gas 33 generatedin the mobile flue gas generator in the direction of the flue gasindicator 30. In this connection, the flue gas indicator 30 has openings34, 35, and 36, through which the flue gas 33 gets to a detector of theflue gas indicator. Accurate aiming to produce flow against a flue gasindicator 30 by means of a mobile flue gas generator 29 is significantlysimplified by the tube 31.

[0117] The mobile flue gas generator 37 (FIG. 7) has an elastic housing38 in which a supply device 39 for a test medium 50, a metering device40, a blower 41, a collection device 42, an output device 43 for thetest medium 50, as well as a heating device 44 are arranged.

[0118] The supply device 39, the metering device 40, and the blower 41,in particular, are each arranged in a holding means 45, 46, and 47 inthe housing 37, whereby the holding means 47 additionally has a rubberlip 48. The holding means 45, 46, and 47 are structured in such a mannerthat the supply device 39, the metering device 40, and the fan 41,respectively, can be quickly and easily plugged into them, so that thesecomponents are releasably fixed in place in or on the elastic housing38.

[0119] The holding means 45 is connected with the output device 43 bymeans of a line 49, so that a test medium 50 gets from the supply device39 to the output device 43 by means of the elastic housing 37, wherebythe output device 43 issues the test medium 50 to the heating device 44.The output device 43 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of theheating device 44 for this purpose, so that for one thing, the testmedium 50 exiting from the output device 43 enters directly into contactwith the heating device 44, and for another thing, the heating device 44is so far removed from the output device 43 that the output device 43 isnot damaged by the heat development of the heating device 44.

[0120] In this exemplary embodiment, the supply device 39 consists of acylinder 51, into which a piston 52 has been introduced.

[0121] By means of a setting dial 40A of the metering device 40, amechanism 40B of the metering device 40 is set in such a manner that themechanism 40B communicates with the piston 52 of the supply device 39and, as needed, presses the test medium 50 in the direction of the arrow53, out of the cylinder 51 of the supply device 39, into the line 49.

[0122] In order to securely connect the cylinder 51 of the supply device39 with the metering device 40, the metering device 40 has a holdingregion 40C, into which the supply device 39 is plugged.

[0123] In order to optimally test a flue gas indicator 30 (see FIG. 6),the heating device 44 is preheated to approximately 150° C., before thetest medium 50 comes into contact with the heating device 44.Particularly in order to regulate the temperature of the heating device44, an energy flow 54 through the heating device 44 is made availablediscontinuously.

[0124] The test medium 50 made to smoke in the heating device 44collects as flue gas 25 (see FIG. 5) in the collection device 42, beforeit is transported out of the collection device 42 by means of an airvolume 55, which is drawn into the collection device by means of theactivated blower 41.

[0125] The exemplary embodiment 56 of FIG. 8 shows an elastic housing 57of a mobile flue gas generator, whereby the elastic housing 57 has anexit opening 59 in a front region 58, from which a flue gas 25 that hasbeen generated (see FIG. 5) exits from the elastic housing 57.

[0126] The elastic housing 60 shown in FIGS. 9 to 13 comprises twoholding regions 61 and 62, by way of which the elastic housing 60 isconnected with a telescope-like holding device (not shown here) and isguided to a flue gas indicator 30 (see FIG. 6), for example.

[0127] The elastic housing 60 furthermore comprises a region 63 in whicha blower 41 is arranged (see FIG. 7).

[0128] A metering device 40 (see FIG. 7) as well as a supply device 39(see FIG. 7) for making available a test medium 50 (see FIG. 7) arearranged in a region 64 and 65 of the elastic housing 60.

[0129] The test medium 50 (see FIG. 7) gets into a region 67 of theelastic housing 60, in which the test medium 50 (see FIG. 7) is made tosmoke, by means of a line 66. The resulting flue gas 25 (see FIG. 5)gets into an output region 69, in which a flue gas indicator 30 (seeFIG. 6) is arranged, by means of an exit opening 68.

1. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) for simulating a real flue gas,wherein the mobile flue gas generator has an electric heating device (9;44) for generating the flue gas (29).
 2. Mobile flue gas generator (29;37) according to claim 1, wherein the heating device (9; 44) is anelectric resistor (14).
 3. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) accordingto claim 1, wherein the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) has anelectric blower (23; 32, 41).
 4. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37)according to claim 1, wherein the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) hasan electric energy source (11).
 5. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37)according to claim 1, wherein the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) canbe electrically triggered.
 6. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37)according to claim 1, wherein the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) hasa heat conducting body (9 a; 13; 15).
 7. Mobile flue gas generator (29;37) according to claim 6, wherein the heat conducting body (9A; 13; 15)has a porous body.
 8. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according toclaim 6, wherein a porous component is arranged on the heat conductingbody (9 a; 13; 15).
 9. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according toclaim 7, wherein the porous body or the porous component has a mantlingthat is preferably configured as a heat-resistant film.
 10. Mobile fluegas generator (29; 37) according to claim 9, wherein the mantling has atleast one opening.
 11. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according toclaim 1, wherein the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) has a heatchamber (1; 22) that is at least partly filled with a test medium (50).12. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 11, whereinthe test medium (50) has a solid that evaporates or smokes, at least inpart, when heated.
 13. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according toclaim 11, wherein the test medium (50) has a gel-like material thatevaporates or smokes, at least in part, when heated.
 14. Mobile flue gasgenerator (29; 37) according to claim 1, wherein the test medium (50)has a mass of less than 5 g, preferably less than 1 g.
 15. Mobile fluegas generator (29; 37) according to claim 1, wherein the heating device(9) is in active contact with a test medium (50).
 16. Mobile flue gasgenerator (29; 37) according to claim 11, wherein the heating device (9;44) is arranged in the heat chamber (3; 22).
 17. Mobile flue gasgenerator (29; 37) according to claim 11, wherein a blower (23; 32; 41)is arranged in the heat chamber (1; 22).
 18. Mobile flue gas generator(29; 37) according to claim 1, wherein when the test medium (50) is madeto smoke, the heating device (9; 44) has a temperature of more than 80°C., preferably more than 110° C.
 19. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37)according to claim 1, wherein when the test medium (50) is made tosmoke, the heating device (9; 44) has a temperature of less than 200°C., preferably less than 160° C.
 20. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37)according to claim 1, wherein the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) hasa collection device (42) in which a flue gas that has been generated istemporarily accumulated.
 21. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37)according to claim 20, wherein the collection device (42) has at leastone inlet opening and/or at least one exit opening (68).
 22. Mobile fluegas generator (29; 37) according to claim 20, wherein the collectiondevice (42) has at least one means for closing it.
 23. Mobile flue gasgenerator (29; 37) according to claim 22, wherein the at least one meansfor closing has a wire, the structure of which is temperature-dependent.24. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 22, whereinthe at least one means for closing has a nitinol wire.
 25. Mobile fluegas generator (29; 37) according to claim 20, wherein the collectiondevice (42) has a flue gas inflow opening.
 26. Mobile flue gas generator(29; 37) according to claim 20, wherein the collection device (42) has aflue gas sensor and/or a gas sensor.
 27. Mobile flue gas generator (29;37) according to claim 20, wherein the collection device (42) has aregion with a changeable cross-section.
 28. Mobile flue gas generator(29; 37) according to claim 20, wherein the collection device (42) has adiffusor.
 29. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 20,wherein the collection device (42) has a Venturi tube.
 30. Mobile fluegas generator (29; 37) according to claim 1, wherein the mobile flue gasgenerator (29; 37) has a housing (38; 57; 60) that is at least partlyelastic.
 31. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 30,wherein a supply device (39) and/or a metering device (40) as well as ablower (23; 32; 41) are arranged on the housing (38; 57; 60).
 32. Mobileflue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 1, wherein at least oneholding means (45; 46; 47) for arranging at least one component on themobile flue gas generator (29; 37).
 33. Mobile flue gas generator (29;37) according to claim 32, wherein a supply device (39) that contains asupply of a test medium (50) is arranged in a holding means (45; 46;47).
 34. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 33,wherein the holding means (45; 46; 47) in which the supply device (39)is arranged communicates with an output device (43) for issuing a testmedium (50).
 35. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim30, wherein the housing (38; 57; 60) has at least one line (49; 66) thatis used as a test medium feed, whereby the test medium feed connects aholding means of the supply device (39) and an output device (43) for atest medium (50) with one another.
 36. Mobile flue gas generator (29;37) according to claim 33, wherein the supply device (39) is adisposable part.
 37. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according toclaim 33, wherein the supply device (39) has a cylinder (51) and apiston (52).
 38. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim32, wherein a metering device (40) is arranged in a holding means (45;46; 47).
 39. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 38,wherein the metering device (40) has a holding region (40C) for thesupply device (39).
 40. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according toclaim 38, wherein the metering device (40) has a setting means (40A)that can preferably catch.
 41. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37)according to claim 1, wherein a coordination means that coordinates anactivation of a blower (23; 32; 41) of the mobile flue gas generator(29; 37) and an activation of a metering device (40) of the mobile fluegas generator (29; 37).
 42. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) accordingto claim 1, characterized by a capillary device (15).
 43. Mobile fluegas generator (29; 37) according to claim 1, characterized by a fluidcontainer.
 44. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 1,wherein the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) has a gas cartridge. 45.Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according to claim 1, characterizedby a remote control.
 46. Mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) according toclaim 1, characterized by a time clock.
 47. Mobile flue gas generator(29; 37) according to claim 1, characterized by an interface to anetwork.
 48. Method for testing a flue gas indicator (21; 30), in whicha mobile flue gas generator (29; 37) brought into the vicinity of theflue gas indicator (21; 30) generates a flue gas (5; 25; 33) by means ofa test medium (50), and in which the flue gas (5; 25; 33) initiates atest of the flue gas indicator (21; 30), wherein the test medium (50) ismade to smoke by means of an electric heating device (9; 44).
 49. Methodaccording to claim 48, wherein the flue gas (5; 25; 30) is at leastpartly transported to the flue gas indicator (21; 30) by an electricblower (23; 32; 41).
 50. Method according to claim 48, wherein aftertesting has been initiated, the flue gas indicator (21; 30) isventilated by means of the blower (23; 32; 41).
 51. Method according toclaim 48, wherein the flue gas (5; 25; 33) that has been generated iscollected before it gets out of the mobile flue gas generator (29; 37).52. Method according to claim 48, wherein a changeable volume stream isgenerated to transport the flue gas (5; 25; 33).
 53. Method according toclaim 48, wherein the rotor of the blower (23; 32; 41) changes its speedof rotation during the test.
 54. Method according to claim 48, whereinenergy is provided to the blower (23; 32; 41) discontinuously during thetest.
 55. Method according to claim 48, wherein energy is provided tothe heating device (9; 44) discontinuously during the test.
 56. Methodaccording to claim 48, wherein the heating device (9; 44) is preheatedbefore a test medium (50) is fed in.